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In Defense of the Theory of Dissociated Mechanics
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<blockquote data-quote="Doug McCrae" data-source="post: 5619808" data-attributes="member: 21169"><p>Yes, there are problems with this explanation of daily powers. There are problems with the explanation of hit points given in the rules, which have been documented many times. There are, if you scratch at them a bit, problems with every rule in the book because D&D is a very imperfect simulation, which has always emphasised playability and gamism in its mechanics.</p><p></p><p>The point is that D&D has always created its mechanics first, to be playable and support gamism, and then looked for simulationist justification afterwards. We know this because Gary told us so. Exactly the same thing is happening with the 4e mechanics. They aren't primarily simulationist. Just like the mechanics of classic D&D, they support gamist play with simple, playable rules. I believe that one can find semi-reasonable game world explanations for all the mechanics The Alexandrian mentions – dailies, marking and skill challenges. Just as Gary found semi-reasonable game world explanations for hit points, saving throws, and, in the case of xp for gold, didn't provide one at all.</p><p></p><p>Nothing has changed here, D&D is the same as it ever was. Gamist play, mechanics that do the job and aren't too complex, after the fact simulationist justifications for some of it.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Doug McCrae, post: 5619808, member: 21169"] Yes, there are problems with this explanation of daily powers. There are problems with the explanation of hit points given in the rules, which have been documented many times. There are, if you scratch at them a bit, problems with every rule in the book because D&D is a very imperfect simulation, which has always emphasised playability and gamism in its mechanics. The point is that D&D has always created its mechanics first, to be playable and support gamism, and then looked for simulationist justification afterwards. We know this because Gary told us so. Exactly the same thing is happening with the 4e mechanics. They aren't primarily simulationist. Just like the mechanics of classic D&D, they support gamist play with simple, playable rules. I believe that one can find semi-reasonable game world explanations for all the mechanics The Alexandrian mentions – dailies, marking and skill challenges. Just as Gary found semi-reasonable game world explanations for hit points, saving throws, and, in the case of xp for gold, didn't provide one at all. Nothing has changed here, D&D is the same as it ever was. Gamist play, mechanics that do the job and aren't too complex, after the fact simulationist justifications for some of it. [/QUOTE]
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